The document describes the stages of fetal development from 9 weeks of gestation through birth. It notes that by 9 weeks, external features are evident and the fetus can move its limbs. From 10-12 weeks, the size doubles and features are more refined. By 13-16 weeks, the head becomes proportional and facial expressions can be observed. Various organs reach their sizes by 17-20 weeks and lanugo hair covers the body. Birth typically occurs between 36-40 weeks when contractions begin to dilate the cervix, the fetus is expelled, and the placenta is delivered. A C-section may be needed if vaginal birth poses risks.

1. FETAL
DEVELOPMENT

2. • Beginning from the ninth month of gestation, the
developing human is called a fetus until birth.
• On the ninth week of gestation, external features are
evident.
• The fetus is capable of moving its, arms, legs, and
head.

3. Approximate size of a nine-
week-old embryo in the
uterus.
Illustration of a human fetus
in the ninth week of
gestation shows its
characteristic features.

4. In the 10th to 12th week of gestation, the size of the fetus has more
than doubled. External human features are now more refined.
Approximate size of a 12-week-old
embryo in the uterus Human fetus in the 12th
week of
gestation

5. In the 13th week to 16th week of gestation, the head of the fetus
becomes more proportion to its body. Facial expressions can be
observed.
16th week old fetus in the uterus
Fetus in the 16th week of
gestation

6. • In the 17th to 20th week of gestation, the various
organs in the body have reached its relative sizes.
• The mother often observe fetal movements,
especially the kicking of the fetal limbs.
• The fetus may suck its thumb for preparation for
breastfeeding.
• Fine, white hair called lanugo starts to cover the
body of the fetus. It sheds until it disappears
completely.

7. 20-week-old fetus in the uterus
Human fetus in the 20th week of
gestation

8. By the 20th to 25th week of gestation, the eyelids and the
eyebrows of the fetus begin to form their definitive shape.
25-week-old fetus in the uterus
Human fetus in the 25th week of
gestation

9. In the 26th to 30th week of gestation, the fetus undergoes weight
gain and takes up most of the space in the uterus.
30-week-old fetus in the
uterus
Human fetus 30th week of
gestation

10. • In the 31st to 36th week of gestation the
toenails and fingernails are visible. The skin
becomes soft and pink. Most of the lanugo
has shed. The central nervous system ,
digestive system, and lungs are fully
developed. The gut of the fetus contains
meconium, the thick, black substance that
forms the earliest stool of the fetus.

11. 36-week-old fetus in the
uterus Human fetus 36th week of
gestation

12. BIRTH
• Childbirth (also called as labor or parturition) is the process
by which the fetus is physically expelled from the
uterus.This process normally occur around the 36th to 40th
week of gestation.
• When the fetus I ready to be born, it repositions itself
forward with the top of its head pressing down on the
cervix.
• The rupture of the amniotic sac may occur before or during
childbirth.

13. 3 distinct stages of labor
• DILATION
• EXPULSION
• AFTERBIRTH

14. DILATION
• The firs stage of labor begins with the onset of
regular contractions of the uterus and concludes
with the full dilation of the cervix. For birth to
progress, the cervix must soften, efface, and
dilate. Considerable evidence shows that the
hormone relaxin ( together with the
prostaglandin), which are released by the ovaries
and placenta relaxes and soften the tissues of the

15. EXPULSION
• When the cervix is completely dilated, the expulsion
stage commences. During the onset of this stage,
the mother experience overwhelming, irresistible
urge to push. This pushing action causes the fetus
to move down the birth canal, which is a channel
formed by the cervix, vagina, and vulva. This stage
commonly lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes, ending
when the fetus completely passes the birth canal.

16. AFTERBIRTH
• The last stage of labor is characterized by the
expulsion of the placenta and other fetal
membranes from the uterus. About 15 to 30
minutes after the delivery of the infant, continuous
uterine contraction cause the placenta and its
constituent membranes to be disengaged from the
maternal decidua and to be expelled out of the

17. • Some childbirth cases are risky. If the mother, fetus, or
both are in danger and vaginal birth is not an option, a
cesarean section may be performed.
• Cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which
incisions are made through the mothers’ uterus to get
the offspring out.

18. The following are some of the conditions that may lead to
a cesarean section:
• Abnormal position of the fetus
• Abnormal fetal heart rate
• Big fetus
• Complicating medical conditions of the mother such as
diabetes and high blood pressure
• Previous cesarean delivery